So I live on the coast, in Santa Cruz, to be exact. Its rather foggy here, especally where I am because of my proximity to the coast. I live in a tiny apartment, its pretty small and the amount of gear I have is rather large...It is taking up most of my space in fact. Gotta love my girlfriend for not having a problem with it.

Anyways, I was thinking about getting one of these Rubbermaid outdoor storage chests, and then putting my gear in rubbermaid storage bins.

The question: Do you think that this is protected from the elements enough? As is my apartment has open windows and doors 90% of the time, but nothing is actually outside. It would be on a deck, under an upstairs balcony, fully protected from direct rain and elements, its just humidity I suppose I am concerned with.

The best solution I've found when trying to jimmy all my stuff into limited square footage is to get that stuff off the ground. I've used a modular shelving unit and like it the best. 2' x 4' footprint x four shelves = 32sf. Never gonna get that kind of efficiency from any bin sitting on the floor.

Likewise, I don't care for tubs, especially opaque ones. The stuff gets accessed too regularly. I toss a duffle on the shelf and in goes the gear. I never zip the duffles until they're deployed for the road. I've set it up so haul bags stand perfectly on the bottom shelf, and duffles, etc on the uppers. Lots of stuff gets hung from the shelving uprights, adding more easy-access storage capability.

Maybe you want to pack this stuff away from sight to have a nice tidy apartment. For me, packing stuff away always means more work to get it back in action. The worst thing about the whole shebang for me is the sweat smell that accompanies my gear--thankfully I have an outdoor shed now.

I don't see the elements being any issue as you've described it, as long as everything is dried well before it's packed away. If anything becomes mildewed, Myra-Zyme is your friend.

« Last Edit: August 19, 2009, 01:08:35 pm by Mike. »

Logged

Say no to limbers, excavators and retro-bolters. No matter how much he smiles.

I'm up in Oregon, and my main revelation was to make sure that all the Chrome Moly stuff (hooks, pins, etc) are either well painted, or lightly oiled before storage. My junk lives in a closet off my unheated, poorly sealed garage. I've never had issues with my cams and such, but have had to deal with a couple bug colonies in my backpacking food due to rips and punctures.

Generally the advice around humidity is to make sure everythign breaths really well such that any condensation has a chance to escape quickly. Bins that are nearly airtight will hold moisture for a long time once it's in there. Also clean off dirt from your stuff before you store, as it will also hold condensation against your gear much longer than if your gear is good and clean to start with.

I totally agree with you Mike about getting things off the floor and keeping access easy, unfortunately I don't have the space for that really. This big chest seems like it will make things pretty easy though, easy enough at least.

Right on, hoi. I have that exact deck box in my van. I would honestly say save the ninety bones and stack those bins vertically. Unless you have loose items the deck box seems like a waste. There will be lots of unused space around the bases of the tapered bins. On the other hand, the box is a piece of furniture. Gor for whatcha know...

Logged

Say no to limbers, excavators and retro-bolters. No matter how much he smiles.

I used to live in WV during the summer and fall boating seasons. Under a trap. On top of a makeshift wooden deck. And it rained. Everyday sometimes. It rained so much I didn't even have to climb most summers. (I still have mixed feeling about those days)

I kept all my gear in those big Rubbermaid tubs and it stayed dry and mold free for months at a time while I didn't climb for shit.

Besides, I know you can't more that a week with out dragging it all out